COVID-19 Emergency Social Services Support Funding

Effective April 21, 2020, the Government of Alberta will be temporarily suspending applications for the $30 million in emergency social services funding to charities, not-for-profits and civil society organizations to support their COVID-19 response. Government has received over 600 applications. Current applications are being reviewed, and approvals for urgent requests will occur before reopening intake of applications.

Overview The Alberta Government is providing $30 million to municipalities, charitable and non-profit organizations to provide help to individuals, seniors, families and other vulnerable Albertans who are isolated or impacted by measures to contain COVID-19.

Through grants from the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) funding will be distributed to civil society organizations.

These organizations will support a range of services needed from:

at-home help for seniors

crisis and helplines

food security issues

emotional and mental health counselling

any other identified community issues

Eligible ServicesFor services to be eligible, they must address the social well-being of those most affected by COVID-19 and the measures implemented to limit the spread of the virus.

Those impacted may include seniors, individuals with chronic medical conditions, caregivers, families with children at home and individuals with limited access to supports. Services should align with one or more of the following funding priorities:

Help people maintain independence, build resiliency and strengthen their ability to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic;

Provide supports to help sustain people remain members in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic;

Fund civil society organizations to deliver projects for vulnerable Albertans who are in need during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

Coordinate services and programs to address the social well-being of vulnerable Albertans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Examples of Eligible Services

Services to allow individuals, seniors and families who are isolated to have their home needs met, including home support and support services for children and families. Examples include: transportation or delivery of goods, such as groceries or prescriptions, housekeeping services, caregiver relief and other services.

Services to build capacity and strengthen volunteer work in the community. Examples include: food and meal service delivery, grocery shopping, helplines, volunteer support coordination, out of pocket expenses for volunteers and information services.

Provide alternate ways of supporting individuals and families so people can function within this new environment. Examples include: telephone mentoring, counselling/emotional mental health supports and supports to help address economic and food security needs.

Ineligible Expenses
Ineligible expenses include but are not limited to the following:

Any expense NOT related to addressing the social well-being of those most vulnerable due to COVID-19

Offering direct assistance in the form of money or shelter

Being primarily rehabilitative or health-focused in nature

Purchase of any capital assets

Any costs required to sustain an organization that do not relate to direct service delivery under the project

Reporting RequirementsOrganizations chosen to provide services and supports will need to sign an agreement and submit a report at the end of the grant term. This report must demonstrate that activities were completed and monies spent as described in the agreement.

Application ProcessEffective April 21, 2020, the Government of Alberta will be temporarily suspending applications for the $30 million in emergency social services funding to charities, not-for-profits and civil society organizations to support their COVID-19 response. Government has received over 600 applications. Current applications are being reviewed, and approvals for urgent requests will occur before reopening intake of applications.

ContactBonnie-Lou Yaroshko, B.Sc.
Administrative Assistant, Community Development Department
City of Medicine HatBONYAR@medicinehat.ca
403.529.8316

Funding for specific programs and services will not be distributed directly from the Alberta Government. All projects must adhere to government recommended procedures and standards pertaining to COVID-19.